Professor Yunus urges WB president’s support for recovering stolen funds, modernising Ctg Port

Dhaka :  Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus has urged World Bank President Ajay Banga to assist in recovering the stolen funds and support the reform and modernisation of the Chittagong Port.

“Chittagong Port is key to economic growth in the region. Let’s develop together,” Yunus said during a meeting on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) at UN Headquarters in New York yesterday (23 September).

The chief adviser also noted that landlocked Nepal and Bhutan, as well as India’s seven northeastern states, stand to benefit significantly from an upgraded port.

At the meeting, the two leaders discussed a range of critical issues, including the upcoming national election in February, the country’s democratic transition, fiscal and banking sector reforms, regional economic integration, and the growing political engagement of youth across Asia.

World Bank President Banga praised Muhammad Yunus for his leadership over the past 14 months, highlighting his pivotal role in steering Bangladesh’s economic recovery.

In response, Yunus expressed gratitude for the World Bank’s steadfast support during what is described as one of the most critical periods in the nation’s history.

World Bank President Banga underscored the importance of robust reforms in the banking and fiscal sectors, stating that they are essential to laying the foundation for sustained, high-growth economic development.

Also present at the meeting were Energy Adviser Fouzul Kabir Khan, Special Envoy of the Chief Adviser Lutfey Siddiqi, and SDG Coordinator Lamiya Morshed.